Auburn Bulletin 2023-2024

Chemistry — MS, PhD

Degree Programs


Graduate study in chemistry leads to the MS and PhD degrees. By the end of the second semester, graduate students must submit a Plan of Study which details the courses that will be taken. This is done with the assistance of the major professor and with the consent of the student’s advisory committee. The Plan of Study will include the balance of formal graded courses. These should be selected to align with the research project and interests of the student, and should include Seminar (CHEM 7950), Formal Presentations (CHEM 7750), Directed Individual Study (CHEM 7930), as well as Research and Thesis (MS) or Research and Dissertation (PhD) hours (CHEM 7990 or CHEM 8990).

  • For the MS degree, the plan of study will consist of a minimum of 30 hours.
  • For the PhD degree, the plan of study will consist of a minimum of 60 hours.
  • Both MS and PhD students must pass the final written (thesis/dissertation) and oral (defense) examination.